RESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of three different extracts prepared from Syzygium cumini leaves against paraquat-induced toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiaestrains deficient in superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, the extracts phenolic and flavonoid contents, in vitro antioxidant activity, and phytochemical composition (using high-pressure liquid chromatography) were determined. Bioactive compounds from S. cumini leaves were extracted with infusion (traditional method) or ultrasound (aqueous or hydroalcoholic). Compared to the infusion extract, the ultrasound extracts exhibited a greater protective capacity against paraquat toxicity in the yeast cells as well as higher antioxidant activity. These results may be directly related to the higher phenolic and flavonoid contents in these extracts, since they are recognized as having high antioxidant actions.